C12 Torque setting on clutch

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Aug 29, 2008
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281
I have a C12 drill with two BPS 12 S NiMH batteries (serial number 10712757).

It's still going strong and the batteries are both fine.

My question is, In either speed 1 or 2 is their an associated toque asserted when the clutch slips on setting 1 - 20. I am trying to see if it's accurate enough (give or take a bit) to use as a toque wrench substitute.

Any ideas ? I've also asked FESTOOL UK and will post their response too.

Paul.
 
Paul,

I've never seen a spec for clutch settings. We can't recommend that you use this in place of a torque wrench.

Shane
 
First, I can't imagine a drill being as exact as a torque wrench. I've never seen a drill with a really dependable clutch setting anyway. There's always some variation. Second, a cordless drill won't ever in it's life come close to the force applied by a wrench. It's too weak to effectively tighten nuts to the required tension.
 
Ok, ok, enough. I've ordered a torque wrench...

I've also bought some (off topic) digital callipers ! These callipers have explained by my 8.5mm RivNuts were only just going into my 9.0mm holes. Because, after measuring them, the 8.5mm RivNuts (from the manufacturer) were actually 8.9mm - quality control !
 
Alex said:
First, I can't imagine a drill being as exact as a torque wrench. I've never seen a drill with a really dependable clutch setting anyway. There's always some variation. Second, a cordless drill won't ever in it's life come close to the force applied by a wrench. It's too weak to effectively tighten nuts to the required tension.

Alex,

I'll agree with the first part,...completely.

The second part, however I cannot. There are many things that are rated in inch-pounds like small machine screws and what not that a cordless drill could torque to spec all day long (with questionable accuracy).

I had to replace the transmission pan on my pickup truck out in the driveway, with a foot of snow on the ground. My air compressor does not have the CFM to drive my air ratchet and given the temperature, did not want to spend a lot of time under the truck. My T15 fit the task beautifully, especially with the 90-degree attachment. Out of fear of stripping out the aluminum housing I set the torque just short of maximum and went behind with a wrench. There were very few that needed re-torquing. It would not be suitable for torquing head bolts on the engine  however.

So with regards to the OP, I would say yes it is possible IF his specs can tolerate the "slop".
 
paul_david_thomas said:
Ok, ok, enough. I've ordered a torque wrench...

I've also bought some (off topic) digital callipers ! These callipers have explained by my 8.5mm RivNuts were only just going into my 9.0mm holes. Because, after measuring them, the 8.5mm RivNuts (from the manufacturer) were actually 8.9mm - quality control !

That's within a 5% tolerance... what limits does the mfg claim them to be within?

::)

 
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